The Guyana Hockey Board will officially kick off their 2018 season today with the annual Bounty/Antonio’s Grille one day tournament at the Providence National Stadium.
The outfield action, which commences from 9am, will see Bounty GCC defending the senior men’s title which they won by defeating rivals Pepsi Hikers in a penalty shootout.
The Pizza Hut GCC, the defending ladies champs, is in a similar position and will be strong contenders to extend their winning streak to eight consecutive titles.
Last year’s Most Valuable Player, Dwayne Scott, will lead the side which will be boosted by veterans Kevin Spencer and Orland Semple along with the young exciting junior nationals Kareem McKenzie and Meshach Sargeant.
Pepsi Hikers boasts one of the best records in recent local hockey and will be prime candidates to unseat GCC.
Among those expected to stand out for the Hikers are the Brandford brothers, Rayon and Aroydy, Randy Hope and Devin Munroe.
Hikers and Guyana national Captain Robert France, who, along with GCC’s Medroy Scotland were selected to the Pan American Federation Indoor All-star team, leads a side littered with international players.
The Old Fort Carriers and Saints have been the two most improved teams of 2017 and will be nipping at the heels of last year’s finalists.
The Carriers, Chris-Low Koan, Omar Hopkinson and Stephan King, will lead that charge while Saints will see the energetic Chester brohers, Hilton and Hilmar on display along with veteran full back Robert Fernandes.
GCC ‘The Sequel’, SHC New Tricks, Hikers B and Old Fort Warriors complete the men’s line up of teams.
While Pizza Hut GCC will be without injured 2017 MVP Aliyah Gordon, their roster is filled with several national players who make them just as potent.
Prolific striker Sonia Jardine leads a forward line that includes Shebiki Baptiste and Carina Moller while national sweeper Ulrica Sutherland marshals their defence.
The Woodpecker Hikers’ Marisha Rodrigues and Maria Munroe are likely to have greater support this year from the much-improved strikers Kenisha Wills and Nicole Eastman.
Old Fort Shooting Stars midfield duo of Mino Culpepper and Bushani Kaladeen are two of the most exciting players in this young side that has been improving each year.
GCC Spice, Saints and the Bingo Spartans will also be vying for the champion spot in the women’s division.
The men’s final is set for 16:30h and the women’s final at 17:00h.
